Saddle Bolt

[SouthernBelle]

On my last 2 rides the bolt or screw holding my saddle in place has worked lose (loose?) Don't know of any reason why it should be worn or stripped. Seems to tighten back up ok, just not stay.

Any solution?

[Thorn]

Locktite?

But....if that happened to me, I'd probably replace it. Why? I sheared the bolt. The bike was a 10 year old hybrid and as I sat back down after clearing an intersection by saddle area 'exploded'. Saddle one way, bolts and clamps in other directions. Scared the people with me more than me, I think. It was a long 3 mile stand-up ride home again.

My consolation prize was walking into the bike shop with the broken pieces, holding them out and having the first words out of the mechanic be, "How?"

Now it is funny, but I guess that has made me a little paranoid about something I take for granted. If the bolt hasn't been tight, you may have been stressing it so that even if you apply locktite, the bolt may be weak. It is an inexpensive part.

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, Thorn! After that story, yeah, I'd be changing the bolt too!

[DebW]

Remember to grease the threads on the bolt when you put it together. It will tighten better that way.

[SouthernBelle]

I'll try greasing it tonight. Fortunately, Mine didn't fall to pieces!

[RoadRaven]

Like tyres, the bolts, nuts, clamps and screws on our bicycles should be regularly inspected and tightened.
Things wriggle loose with all the jarring a bike receives, and the weight and force exerted on it.

A loose bolt on your saddle does not necessarily mean it has to be replaced.
Tighten it, and inspect it each time you ride - if it stays, its fine, if it loosens quickly, then maybe you need to look at wear and tear maintenance.

Example... my bull horns/aero bar set up was wriggly the other day, slipping to a slightly-pointing-down position, so we made it parallel to the ground again, tightened the screws on the stem, and in 3 vigorous rides since then, it has not shifted...

[SouthernBelle]

Mine loosened in 2 consecutive rides. If it does it again tomorrow, time to visit the LBS.

[SouthernBelle]

Bolt held fine today in approx 52 hilly miles so I think I'm good.